Monroe adopts downtown mural ordinance and guidelines for private and public murals

Monroe City Council on Aug. 12 approved a mural ordinance and a set of guidelines to govern private and public murals in the downtown district.

Donna O’Keefe, downtown manager, told council staff revised the ordinance after council did not adopt it in April and prepared accompanying guidelines at council’s request. The guidelines establish separate processes for private murals—where a private property owner applies online and the Downtown Advisory Board scores proposals using a standardized five‑point system—and for public murals, which the staff described as following a nine‑step process that begins with a call for walls and ends with securing easements from property owners for public art.

O’Keefe said private mural applicants must provide detailed materials, including images of the existing building and a minimum of six examples of the artist’s prior work. The Downtown Advisory Board will score private‑property proposals; projects must reach a minimum threshold to proceed to a public hearing before council. O’Keefe said all murals will come to city council for final approval after public review.

Council members asked about whether the city regulates paint colors on private buildings and about the balance between protecting downtown historic character and allowing artistic expression. Staff clarified public hearings will be part of the approval process and that historic‑context criteria and design review will apply in the downtown district.

Ending: Council approved the ordinance (Title 15 Chapter 160 Section 160.4) and the accompanying guidelines by voice vote; staff will implement the application and review process described in the guidelines.